Olympics badminton move opposed

Badminton’s governing body has opposed staging London 2012 badminton at Wembley Arena, saying it is too far from the east London Olympic site.

Last week the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved a plan to hold badminton events at the arena.

But the Badminton World Federation said it did not want the sport to be in a "stand alone" west London venue.

It said: "We are of the opinion that this will affect the Olympic experience for players and spectators."

Sporting ‘pinnacle’

Last week the IOC approved holding badminton and rhythmic gymnastics events at Wembley Arena instead of a £40m temporary venue that had been planned for Greenwich.

Wembley Arena was supported by London Mayor Boris Johnson and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog).

Locog chairman Sebastian Coe said: "It’s a combination of cost – everyone recognises the world has changed dramatically since when we bid – but it’s also about legacy and athlete experience."

A London 2012 spokeswoman has since added Locog is considering the concerns and will respond to them

But Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Dr Kang Young Joong said: "The Olympic Games is the pinnacle of sporting achievement and the BWF owes our athletes and its members the responsibility to showcase badminton to the media and the world in the best possible way."

The BWF said it would "vigorously engage" in venue negotiations with the IOC and hoped to find a solution at its next board meeting in March.